What does John 10:21 mean?

Explanation

John 10:21 presents a segment of a broader debate about the identity and authority of Jesus. In the context of this verse, the people are divided over His nature.

Some accuse Jesus of being demon-possessed, while others counter this accusation by pointing out that His miraculous works, such as giving sight to the blind, are not characteristic of a devil but suggestive of divine power.

The deeper meaning here revolves around the recognition of Jesus's works as evidence of His divine mission and identity, challenging the common expectations and beliefs of the time about the character and actions of a holy man or prophet.

Historical Context

John 10:21 is part of the New Testament, written in the context of first-century Judea under Roman occupation.

Earlier in the chapter, Jesus had healed a man born blind (John 9), which had caused considerable controversy among the Pharisees and the Jewish people.

Healing on the Sabbath was considered a violation of the law by some religious leaders, and the ability to perform such a miracle was a point of contention, as signs and wonders were often associated with prophetic and messianic figures.

Theological Insights

From different theological perspectives, this verse highlights several points.

For traditional Christian theology, this verse illustrates Jesus’s divinity, showcasing His miraculous power as evidence of His godly nature.

It also speaks to the theme of spiritual blindness versus physical blindness; some who are physically blind may see spiritual truth, while others who are physically sighted may be spiritually blind.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to look beyond surface judgments and seek deeper understanding when evaluating the actions and characters of others.

It challenges people to consider the fruits of someone's actions rather than just their reputation.

The message here can also encourage believers to trust in the power of their faith to bring about change that transcends conventional expectations.

Cross-References

• John 9:6-7: "When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay."
• John 9:16: "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day.

Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them."

• John 9:32-33: "Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

If this man were not of God, he could do nothing."

Language Study

An analysis of the original Greek text for this verse shows key words:

• "devil" (δαιμόνιον, daimonion): commonly referred to as a demon or evil spirit.
• "open" (ἀνοίγω, anoigo): to open or unlock, often used metaphorically for healing or enabling understanding.
• "eyes" (ὀφθαλμοὺς, ophthalmous): literally the physical eyes, but also symbolically referring to spiritual or intellectual vision.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with other ancient myths and religions, the act of healing, especially giving sight to the blind, is a powerful motif.

In various mythologies, those with the power to heal or perform miracles were often considered divine or favored by the gods.

Jesus's actions in the Gospel of John share similarities with such figures but within a strictly monotheistic and messianic framework.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, restoring sight to someone born blind involves complex medical and biological intervention, typically beyond the scope of first-century medicine.

Today, such a feat could be attempted through advanced surgeries or therapies, but in the context of the verse, it represents a supernatural event that defies the scientific understanding of the time.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse.

Many concur that it serves to illustrate a division in public opinion about Jesus and emphasizes the evidence of miracles in discerning His true nature.

For instance, Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that the healing of the blind man is a strong proof of Jesus's divine commission.

Similarly, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges remarks that the inability to deny the miracle leads some to reconsider their preconceived notions about Jesus.